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This English town isn't exactly the most glamorous location on the planet, but its club offers an abundance of excitement and passion.

In a town renowned for boot‑making, you would think punting to be the Saints’ main approach. Yet under leader Phil Dowson, the side in green, black and gold choose to retain possession.

Despite embodying a typically British town, they display a panache synonymous with the finest Gallic masters of expansive play.

After Dowson and the head coach Sam Vesty stepped up in 2022, the Saints have won the domestic league and gone deep in the continental tournament – defeated by their Gallic opponents in the previous campaign's decider and ousted by Dublin-based club in a last-four clash before that.

They sit atop the Prem table after multiple successes and a single stalemate and travel to Ashton Gate on the weekend as the only unbeaten side, seeking a first win at their opponent's ground since 2021.

It would be natural to think Dowson, who participated in 262 elite matches for Newcastle, Northampton and Worcester altogether, had long intended to be a coach.

“During my career, I hadn't given it much thought,” he states. “However as you age, you understand how much you love the rugby, and what the everyday life is like. I spent some time at a banking firm doing an internship. You make the journey a multiple instances, and it was difficult – you see what you possess and lack.”

Conversations with former mentors resulted in a role at Northampton. Move forward a decade and Dowson guides a team ever more packed with internationals: Tommy Freeman, Fraser Dingwall, Alex Mitchell and Alex Coles lined up for England facing the New Zealand two weeks ago.

Henry Pollock also had a major effect off the bench in the national team's successful series while the number ten, in time, will take over the pivotal position.

Is the rise of this remarkable group due to the team's ethos, or is it fortune?

“This is a mix of each,” comments Dowson. “I would acknowledge an ex-coach, who basically just threw them in, and we had challenging moments. But the experience they had as a collective is definitely one of the reasons they are so close-knit and so talented.”

Dowson also mentions Jim Mallinder, another predecessor at the club's home, as a key figure. “I was lucky to be coached by highly engaging people,” he adds. “Jim had a major effect on my professional journey, my management style, how I interact with individuals.”

The team execute entertaining the game, which was clearly evident in the case of the French fly-half. The Gallic player was involved with the opposing team overcome in the Champions Cup in April when Freeman notched a triple. Belleau was impressed sufficiently to buck the pattern of UK players heading across the Channel.

“A mate phoned me and stated: ‘We know of a Gallic number ten who’s seeking a team,’” Dowson says. “My response was: ‘We lack the budget for a French fly-half. Another target will have to wait.’

‘He desires new challenges, for the possibility to prove his worth,’ my contact told me. That caught my attention. We had a conversation with him and his language skills was incredible, he was eloquent, he had a funny side.

“We questioned: ‘What do you want from this?’ He answered to be coached, to be pushed, to be outside his comfort zone and beyond the domestic competition. I was like: ‘Come on in, you’re a great person.’ And he has been. We’re lucky to have him.”

Dowson comments the emerging Henry Pollock provides a specific enthusiasm. Does he know a player similar? “No,” Dowson replies. “Each person is individual but Henry is distinct and special in many ways. He’s not afraid to be himself.”

Pollock’s spectacular score against their opponents in the past campaign showcased his unusual talent, but a few of his expressive in-game actions have led to allegations of overconfidence.

“At times comes across as arrogant in his actions, but he’s not,” Dowson says. “Furthermore Henry’s being serious the whole time. Game-wise he has ideas – he’s a smart player. I believe on occasion it’s depicted that he’s only a character. But he’s clever and great to have to have around.”

Not many managers would describe themselves as having a bromance with a head coach, but that is how Dowson describes his partnership with Vesty.

“We both have an inquisitiveness about various topics,” he explains. “We run a book club. He desires to explore all aspects, wants to know each detail, desires to try new experiences, and I think I’m the same.

“We converse on numerous things beyond the sport: cinema, reading, thoughts, culture. When we met the Parisian club last year, the cathedral was under renovation, so we had a little wander around.”

A further date in France is looming: The Saints' reacquaintance with the Prem will be brief because the continental event intervenes next week. The French side, in the shadow of the border region, are up first on matchday before the South African team visit a week later.

“I’m not going to be arrogant sufficiently to {